BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Hires Former NFL Coach Matt Patricia as Defensive Coordinator in Major Staff Overhaul
April 14, 2025 – Columbus, Ohio — In a bold move aimed at rejuvenating its football program, Ohio State University announced the hiring of former NFL head coach and defensive guru Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator. The decision comes amid heightened expectations and growing pressure following another tough loss to rival Michigan and a season that ended without a College Football Playoff appearance.
Patricia, who spent years with the New England Patriots and previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions, brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to the Buckeyes. Known for his strategic mind and no-nonsense coaching style, Patricia is expected to instill a new level of discipline and complexity to a Buckeye defense that struggled at key moments last season.
“This is an exciting moment for Buckeye football,” said Athletic Director Ross Bjork in a press conference held at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “We believe Matt Patricia’s experience at the highest levels of football, combined with his ability to develop talent and game-plan against elite offenses, makes him the right fit to lead our defense.”
Patricia replaces Jim Knowles, who held the position for two seasons. While Knowles had moments of success, his unit faltered in several high-profile games, most notably against Michigan and in the Peach Bowl loss to Georgia. The move signals a shift in philosophy as Ohio State looks to reassert itself as one of the nation’s most dominant programs.
In addition to the Patricia hire, the Buckeyes have promoted wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator, following the departure of Chip Kelly to the NFL. Hartline, a former Ohio State standout and NFL veteran, has earned praise for his elite recruiting skills and the development of top-tier talent at the receiver position. The Hartline-Patricia combination represents a blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience on the coaching staff.
Head coach Ryan Day, who will be entering his seventh season in 2025, expressed strong confidence in the new leadership structure.
“We’re building a team that can compete and win at the highest level,” said Day. “Matt Patricia brings a championship mindset, and Brian Hartline has already proven himself as one of the best offensive minds in college football. This is about giving our players every advantage to succeed.”
The coaching shakeup comes at a pivotal time for Day, who faces mounting pressure after four straight losses to Michigan and no national titles since 2014. Despite speculation about his future, Bjork has confirmed Day will remain head coach through the 2025 season, stating, “There is no question Ryan Day is the leader of this program.”
With spring practice underway and fall just months away, all eyes are now on how Patricia will transform the defense and whether this staff overhaul can return Ohio State to the pinnacle of college football.
Fans, alumni, and analysts will be watching closely — the Buckeyes have made their move. Now it’s time to deliver.